Matador Freefly16 vs. Matador ReFraction

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Matador Freefly16

by Matador
Front facing view of the Matador Freefly16
Capacity16 L
Weight0.2 kg
Dimensions48×25×15 cm
Airline fit93%
Price$80

Feature by feature

Storage
2 Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
0 Opening 0
Passport top
N Passthrough Y
Carry
Y Backpack Y
N Hip Belt N
removable Sternum Strap removable
Inside
N Laptop N
2 Main Compartments 2
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2, side Water Bottle Holder 2, side
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
70D Robic nylon with UHMWPE ripstop, PFAS freeRecycled nylon, Bluesign® approved

Matador ReFraction

by Matador
Front facing view of the Matador ReFraction
Capacity16 L
Weight0.2 kg
Dimensions43×25×19 cm
Airline fit96%
Price$60

Key differences between the Matador Freefly16 and Matador ReFraction

Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, water bottle pockets, water resistant.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 176 accept both. 0 accept only the Matador Freefly16, and 5 accept only the Matador ReFraction.

Only the Matador ReFraction fits

Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, Ravn Alaska.

Matador Freefly16 vs. Matador ReFraction: which should you pack?

The Matador Freefly16 carries the same capacity as the Matador ReFraction (16L vs. 16L), while the Matador Freefly16 is the lighter pack at 0.2kg (vs. 0.2kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Matador ReFraction fits 96% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Matador Freefly16; if you want to travel lighter, the Matador Freefly16 is the better call.